Hello, I have been having a little problem with my patella tendons for a while off and on they would flame up and it will feel like something is going to pop when bending, it happens in both knees, I put ice on and by the next day it's gone. I use to play a lot of basketball and football I am now 35. Last wk I was playing basketball and when I came down from jumping I had a real sharp pain in my knee and could not continue. Around the top of my knee cap is tender and hurts and when I put pressure on my knee getting out the car or anything I get sharp tack like pains under my knee cap and sometimes on the side of my knee and it aches a little, I have really slight swelling but I am able to walk. What do you think it is and what should I do?
The location of the knee pain can be a useful guide. Pain in the front portion of the knee can be caused by bursitis (inflammation of the lining of the joint, possible due to injury while playing), arthritis, or injury to the patella cartilage (front portion of the knee). Pain on either sides of the knee is usually related to meniscal tears, injuries to the collateral ligaments, and even to arthritis. You will need X-rays and MRIs of the knee to find the exact. Treatment will follow correct diagnosis. Do consult an orthopedic specialist at the earlier. Take care!